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Sagrantino | Local Wine Variety From Province of Perugia, Italy | TasteAtlas

Sagrantino

Sagrantino is an Italian grape variety that is thought to be native to Umbria. It is mostly cultivated in a small area around Montefalco in Perugia, which is also the location of its flagship appellation, the DOCG Montefalco Sagrantino.


This thick-skinned grape is known to produce full-bodied and tannic red wines. The grape can be used in varietals and blends—it is mostly blended with Sangiovese in Montefalco Rosso DOC. Sagrantino-based wines are rich in color, tannins, acidity, and sugar.


Usually, they also tend to have high alcohol content. These intense and powerful wines have aromas of red and dark berries, violets, and hints of herbal and balsamic-like notes. Although they can be enjoyed young, Sagrantino wines develop their full potential only after extensive aging.  Read more

While they mature, their tannins mellow, and the flavor becomes more rounded. Although the exact origin of this ancient Italian grape has not been completely investigated, it is assumed that its name stems from the term sagra, meaning festival, and it allegedly refers to the tradition of serving this wine during church-related occasions.


The grape is also known to contain some of the highest antioxidants (polyphenol) levels in red wine. Sagrantino wines pair well with lamb, grilled meat, roasts, game, and aged cheese. Small amounts of Sagrantino are cultivated in Australia and the United States, and the grape is also used to produce sweet passito wines.